Stories of
American Heroes -
Brought to you from the "Home of Heroes" - Pueblo, Colorado

Defending Freedom

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Since 1776 more than 40 MILLION American men and
women have served in the Armed Forces of the United States, most of them during time of
conflict or war. Since the birth of our Nation, no single generation has been spared
the responsibility of defending the rights of the human spirit to breath free from the
agression of enemies both abroad and domestic. From Lexington and Concord to Fort
McHenry, the mountains of Europe to the sands of Pacific Islands....on land, on sea and in
the air America's finest have proudly worn the uniforms of United States soldiers,
sailors, airmen and marines. Even in the jungles of Vietnam where many believe our
military suffered its most embarassing loss, American soldiers NEVER LOST A BATTLE.

Freedom
is NOT free. More than one million of our country's
sons and daughters have given their lives to preserve the dream that was born on July 4,
1776 and carefully protected and nurtured through more than two centuries. To each
one of them we owe a debt of gratitude for sacrificing all that they had, so that we may
enjoy all that we have. Cherishing the memory of their sacrifice is the very least
we can do in respect to the price they have paid.

But defending
freedom is not just a matter of facing a hostile enemy in time of war or conflict.
Every veteran, whether of combat duty or peace time service, is in some measure, a
hero. Heroism is as much a matter of attitude as one of action. Every man or
woman who has proudly worn the uniform of one of our military services, by that very
action, demonstrated that they were WILLING to pay the price for freedom. As a
people we owe our respect and admiration to these DEFENDERS OF FREEDOM.

This room is
dedicated to all of them, past and present. It will highlight the history and
traditions of each of our individual branches of military service. Five triangular
islands complete the design of the Medal of Honor on the first floor, and each of these
islands commemorates the men and women of each branch of service.

The island at
right is from our model for displaying the proud history of the United States Navy.
Beneath the flag of the Department of the Navy, the large island can depict ships from the
Revolution to present, Naval aviation, Sea Bees and Seals in ground operations, and much
more. Along the sides you will see photos of numerous vessels so proud veterans
touring the Hall of Heroes with their family can point out just where they have
served. Similar islands will be constructed for each of our other branches of
military service.